Exactly 10 years ago Dutch curator Anne van der Zwaag started shaping OBJECT into a cutting-edge design event. The fair features established designers and labels as well as upcoming talents in a wide range of creative disciplines. The anniversary edition will take place at the HAKA-building from May 20 till May 22.
Director Anne van der Zwaag personally scouts and selects all participants. A stirring mix of designs in the fields of product, furniture, fashion, jewelry, graphic design and architecture awaits the fair’s visitors.
It started out as a small, traditional design fair more than ten years ago, now OBJECT transformed into a platform for contemporary design with a focus on new talent: ”The Netherlands is fertile soil for promising designers, we give them a head start by offering them a platform right after graduation,” says Van der Zwaag.
Unexpected combinations at OBJECT
Every edition, a large, fresh crop of designers participates for the first time. For a modest price, you can buy yourself a special piece of design and invest in what might become a household name. Recent graduates are placed right next to well-known labels; these unexpected combinations make the fair unique.
OBJECT is known for its tantalizing mix of furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, architectural objects, illustration, and product design. “On the cutting edge of creative disciplines, you discover the most beautiful and intriguing objects,” Van der Zwaag explains. She’s always on the lookout for innovative use of materials and colors. The fair presents a striking selection for both the professional as the consumer;
in just a few hours you get an inspiring overview of the latest trends, materials, colors, and techniques. All objects on show are for sale, and the designers are present to elaborate on their work.
This anniversary edition the fair is organizing various Q&A’s with former participants and professionals like Amanda Pinatih (design curator Stedelijk Museum), Richard Hutten (product designer), Bülent Yokus (Weltevree), Mae Engelgeer (textile designer) and Nathalie Dubois (design curator Centraal Museum). During short speed dates they will share their professional views and insights with interior
enthusiasts.
Rotterdam’s creative hotspot
OBJECT is famous for occupying iconic Rotterdam locations. From the old Las Palmas warehouse to the 44th floor of OMA’s De Rotterdam, from the historical cruise ship SS Rotterdam to the industrial HAKA-building. Situated on the edge of the bustling Vierhavens area, which rapidly develops into Rotterdam’s creative hotspot. Centrally located between the city centre and the Van Nelle Fabriek the HAKA-building offers the perfect starting point to explore and enjoy Rotterdam Art Week.
OBJECT Rotterdam 2022
HAKA-building | Vierhavensstraat 38-42 | Rotterdam
May 20th until May 22th
11am – 6pm
Tickets € 15,00, kids under 12 years get free entrance, available online and at the door
